France is changing its approach to naturalization in 2026: even long-term legal residence no longer guarantees citizenship. Find out who will be affected by the new rules, what requirements have been tightened, and why citizenship is now considered a privilege, not a formality

France is tightening restrictions on citizenship by introducing stricter naturalization requirements. Authorities can now reject citizenship applications based on any prior illegal immigration, even if the applicant is currently in legal status. The new rules emphasize the need for deeper assimilation and a clean immigration history.

The changes come as a result of directives issued by French Interior Minister Bruno Rétaille, who said he was “proud” of the new guidelines. He called the document a circular on assimilation in France.

The new rules will come into effect on January 1, 2026, as part of the 2026 French naturalization reform.

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What’s changing about the 2026 French naturalization process?

Previously, foreigners could apply for French citizenship after five years of legal residence or two years of studying at a French university. The main requirements were:

- Knowledge of French (level B1),

- Integration into society,

- No criminal record,

- Basic knowledge of French values.

However, even those who meet these criteria can now be refused due to past illegal residence.

Key elements of the new approach to naturalization in France

Instead of changing the law, the French government is reviewing its application through immigration policy, in particular by introducing new administrative instructions. Key points include:

- History of illegal immigration: any episode of staying in France without documents becomes a reason for refusal.

- Assessment of the applicant's dignity: Prefects must assess more carefully whether the candidate meets "French values".

- New civic education test: introduced as part of the changes to citizenship under the Darmanin law.

- Language requirements: increased to level B2.

- Professional integration: mandatory employment for at least 24 months or on a permanent basis (professional integration).

- Candidate autonomy: applicants must prove sufficient income, without social benefits.

Naturalization process in France

The initial selection takes place at the prefecture level, which decides to transfer the application to the Ministry of the Interior. If the application is deemed inadmissible, it does not reach the national level.

Stricter controls are applied to those who were previously in an illegal status, even if they were later legalized through a residence permit.

Who will be most affected by the changes to the naturalization procedure in France?

The new rules could make naturalization more difficult:

- For migrants who arrived without documents and were later legalized.

- For workers who previously obtained legalization through work.

- For asylum seekers with an unstable status.

Why did France decide to change the procedure for obtaining citizenship?

This policy is in line with a broader goal of reducing regularization and limiting the issuance of residence permits. The goal is to have more strictly controlled immigration without changing the law, by introducing an administrative filter.

Is it worth fighting for French citizenship?

Despite the new restrictions, French citizenship has many advantages:

- 3rd place in the world in terms of passport strength,

- Visa-free access to 151 countries,

- Mobility at 189 points.

However, these advantages are not automatic at the moment, but only for those who fully meet the strict new requirements.

France is tightening restrictions on obtaining citizenship, emphasizing assimilation, law-abiding citizens and high moral qualities of applicants. This is a strategic decision by the authorities to limit access to citizenship through a change in approach, not the law.

French citizenship is no longer a formality. It is now a privilege that must be earned.

The procedure for obtaining citizenship in France has become more complicated, and every detail matters – from the documents to the interpretation of your immigration history. To increase your chances of a successful application, we recommend contacting immigration lawyers.

Get a personalized consultation today and make your path to French citizenship confident and legal.

Reminder! France has simplified the conditions for obtaining the EU Blue Card in 2025. Experience instead of a diploma, shorter contracts and easier relocation from other EU countries. We have already told you how the procedure for obtaining a permit for skilled workers in France will change.

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